intimate friend of my grandfather's, had heard of my turn for painting,
and asked my mother to let him see some of my pictures. A few of the
best were sent to him, and were returned after a few days accompanied by
a long letter from the old gentleman, pointing out what he admired most
in each picture. I was delighted with the letter, and not a little vain
of the praise.

LETTER FROM DR. BLAIR TO MARY FAIRFAX.

MY DEAR MISS FAIRFAX,

This comes to return you a thousand thanks for the pleasure and
entertainment I have had from your landscape paintings. I had them
placed in the best light I could contrive in my drawing-room, and
entertained myself a good while every day looking at them and
admiring their beauties, which always grew upon me. I intend to
return them to you to-morrow, or rather on the beginning of next
week; and as they were taken particular care of, I hope they shall
not appear to have suffered any injury.

I have exhibited them to several people, some of whom were excellent
judges, whom I brought on purpose to view them--Lady Miller, the
Solicitor and Mrs. Blair, his lady, Dr. Hill, Miss Anne Ker of
Nisbet, and a variety of ladies. All joined in praising them highly.
The penserosa figure caught the highest admiration of any, from the
gracefulness of the figure and attitude, and the boldness and
propriety of the scenery. The two morning and evening views--one of
Lochness, and the other of Elcho Castle--which make fine companions,
and which I always placed together, were also highly admired. Each
of them had their different partizans, and I myself was for a good
while undetermined which of them to prefer. At last, I found the
placidity of the scene in Elcho Castle, with the cottages among the
trees, dwelt most on my imagination, though the gaiety and
brightness of the morning sky in the other has also exquisite
beauty. On the whole, I am persuaded that your taste and powers of
execution in that art are uncommonly great, and that if you go on
you must excel highly, and may go what length you please. Landscape
painting has been always a great favourite with me; and you have
really contributed much to my entertainment. As I thought you might
wish to know my sentiments, after your paintings had been a little
considered, I was led to write you these lines (in which I assure
you there